In Q3 2023, Botejyu, a famous Japanese restaurant or more correctly labeled as Okonomiyaki and Okosoba Specialty Restaurant Chain arrived in Cebu. I remember friends and workmates talking about this new restaurant in town. I am rarely hyped by trendy stuff including food. It was not until April this year during an official business travel to Cagayan de Oro City that I finally gave in.
After a long day of conducting training for a new software we introduced to our Sales team, I decided I deserve excellent food that wouldn't only fill my stomach but my weary soul as well. I was determined to get ramen for dinner. I googled ramen places nearby so I had an idea of the choices available for me. Gladly, SM Cagayan de Oro was a 2-minute walk from our hotel. Upon arrival, Botejyu's restuarant was the first to welcome us. Without thinking twice, I decided to go there.
Lorebel, a junior in my team wasn't sure what to eat for dinner. I don't want to pressure her to eat what I crave; that's very disrespectful. I gave her the option to look for other restaurants and/or food stalls that would suit her cravings that night. Later on she decided to stay with me in Botejyu.
I love eating alone; in fact, I don't mind eating alone. It's liberating to enjoy one's company but the downside of eating with yourself is that you won't be able to try as many food as possible. You'd have no one to split the bill with.
Despite eating together, we ordered separately. Lorebel wanted to try a pork dish in their menu (not ramen) and I was dying to eat ramen that night. I ended up ordernig their set menu so I can try the other food without hurting my finances. We were both happy with what we got and went back to our hotel with happy hearts and belly!
If I am to rate their food, it was good enough to fill our hungry bodies but it wasn't extraordinary. There is this superb and top-tier ramen house in Cebu that up to this day nothing could beat. Perhaps my standards are just really high. Nonetheless, Boteyju deserves a try! If you are thinking of trying a Japanese restaurant in Cebu City, you can go with Botejyu if you haven't.